Asserting that he would continue to play his role despite the stiff opposition from mainstream political and religious parties, Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf today said one of the prime achievements of his rule was not succumbing to pressure from India. In his first address to the nation after the October 10 elections, Musharraf said he has fulfilled all promises made when he took over power in a military coup in October 1999. Outlining his foreign policy achievements, he said his government has upheld the honour and dignity of Pakistan and did not succumb to Indian pressure and highlighted the Kashmir cause at all international fora. He said Pakistan also raised Islamic causes, apprised the world of the utility of religious institutions and raised the issue Indian ‘‘atrocities’’ against muslims in Gujarat at the United Nations. Musharraf claimed his government was able to boost the prestige of the country at a very difficult time. Without directly referring to the Opposition from political parties to his decision to continue as President and their refusal to accept his constitutional reforms, Musharraf asked the new leadership to assume the reins of power with confidence and build on the foundations laid down by his government. He claimed that his government made far-reaching constitutional reforms to keep a check on all powers and for the continuity of democracy and reforms. Taking a dig at previous governments of Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif, he said their governments failed to come up to the expectations of the people as they could not function in a democratic manner. On the economic front, Musharraf said his government has brought down the country’s foreign debt from $38 billion to $36 billion and debt servicing from 63 per cent of the budget to 48 per cent. The domestic debt of Rs 1642 billion has significantly been brought down, he said. He claimed he had made no personal gains and only drew the salary of Chief of Army Staff. He said he never took any family member or friend on pleasure trips abroad. Claiming that his government gave no unlawful order to banks or corporations, Musharraf said he gave unprecedented freedom to media and permitted private radio and TV channels. (PTI)
